At Knox County Public Library, we are celebrating Black History Month in several ways. For the next few weeks, we are featuring African American authors on our social media feeds. Kicking it off, we shined a light on the popular poet Langston Hughes, which also happened to be his birthday. We hope people will take time to explore the great works by African American authors, filmmakers and artists. This list of recommended books and movies is a great place to start.
Bob Booker
On Sunday, Feb. 27, patrons are invited to the screening of “The Lost World of East Knoxville: A Walk with Bob Booker” at the East Tennessee History Center from 2-4 p.m. This 40-minute film explores the many changes to East Knoxville in the latter half of the 20th century. In the summer of 2020, the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection manager, Steve Cotham, accompanied noted Knoxville historian Robert Booker on a walk through Booker’s former neighborhood, The Bottom, as he recounted the history of the area before urban renewal radically changed the city’s landscape. This firsthand account of life in The Bottom pre-1960s includes archival photographs and film that make Booker’s memories come alive.
Reservations for “The Lost World of East Knoxville” are required and can be made by calling 865-215-8729.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library. She writes a Wednesday feature for KnoxTNToday.com.